First Impressions of Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig
The Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig promises to be a versatile tool for any angler looking to trigger aggressive strikes. Strike King has built a reputation for innovative lures, and this swim jig appears to be no exception, boasting a unique design aimed at maximizing hook-ups and minimizing snags. As an experienced angler with over a decade in the field, I’m always on the lookout for gear that offers a genuine edge, and the Rage Blade’s combination of a custom Gamakatsu hook, a Perfect Skirt, and a twin tail trailer certainly piqued my interest.
I was looking for a jig that could effectively navigate moderately weedy areas while still delivering a lively presentation. Too many jigs on the market either snag easily or lack the enticing action needed to draw fish out of cover. The promise of reduced snags and increased hook-ups presented a compelling reason to give the Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig a try.
Upon unboxing, the Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig felt solid and well-constructed. The green pumpkin color was spot-on, mimicking a natural forage base. Compared to other swim jigs I’ve used, like the Z-Man Evergreen ChatterBait Jack Hammer and the Keitech Tungsten Model I Swim Jig, the Rage Blade’s blade design appeared more compact and streamlined, hinting at its snag-resistant properties. I was particularly excited to see how the Perfect Skirt and twin tail trailer would perform in the water.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The lure looks good, feels good, and the advertised features are promising, but the true test would be how it performs on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig on a local lake known for its healthy largemouth bass population and moderate weed growth. I fished it along weed edges, around submerged timber, and over shallow flats. The water was slightly stained, and the weather was overcast, creating ideal conditions for swim jig fishing.
The Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig performed admirably in the varied conditions. It tracked straight and true, even at higher retrieve speeds, and the blade imparted a noticeable vibration. The jig did a decent job of deflecting off cover, but it still hung up a couple of times in thicker weeds.
The first few casts were promising, but after about an hour of fishing, I noticed the skirt started to lose its shape, which was unexpected. The Gamakatsu hook performed flawlessly, providing solid hooksets on the several bass I caught.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig, I have a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The durability is a mixed bag. The hook remains sharp, and the blade still spins freely, but the Perfect Skirt continues to degrade with use.
I’ve noticed some minor chipping of the paint around the jig head, but nothing too significant. Maintaining the jig is relatively simple: I rinse it with fresh water after each use and occasionally apply a silicone-based lubricant to the blade swivel. While it catches fish, the longevity of the skirt compared to other brands is where it disappoints slightly.
This jig does not outperform my other go-to swim jigs in terms of overall fish-catching ability, but it holds its own in moderately weedy areas.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig
Specifications
- The Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig weighs 1/2 oz, making it ideal for fishing in a variety of depths and conditions. This weight allows for good casting distance and the ability to maintain contact with the bottom.
- It comes in Green Pumpkin, a versatile color that mimics natural forage. Green Pumpkin is effective in clear and stained water, making it a solid all-around choice.
- Each package contains 1 jig. This is fairly standard for high-quality jigs, but it does mean you’ll need to stock up if you plan on using them regularly.
- The Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig features a Custom Gamakatsu Hook. This is a significant upgrade over standard hooks, providing excellent penetration and holding power.
- It also includes the Perfect Skirt and Twin Tail Trailer. This combination adds to the lifelike movement and profile of the lure, enticing fish to strike.
These specifications contribute to the jig’s overall performance by balancing weight, color, and hook quality for optimal fish-catching potential. The Gamakatsu hook is a standout feature, as sharp, strong hooks are essential for successful hooksets.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig performs well as a fish-catching tool, but has a few shortcomings. Its strengths lie in its ability to attract fish with its vibration and realistic profile. The jig’s streamlined design allows it to move through the water with minimal resistance, and the twin tail trailer adds extra movement.
The primary weakness is the durability of the skirt, which degrades faster than other premium swim jigs. The hook is excellent, and the blade spins reliably, but the skirt’s fragility detracts from the overall experience. The Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig meets expectations in terms of fish attraction but falls short in terms of long-term durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig is generally good, with a well-painted jig head and a sturdy blade attachment. The jig is comfortable to fish with and casts easily. There is no real learning curve associated with using this jig.
The Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig is a relatively simple lure to use. Its user-friendly design makes it accessible to anglers of all skill levels.
Durability & Maintenance
The lifespan of the Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig is dependent on how frequently it’s used and the conditions in which it’s fished. The hook and blade should last a long time with proper care, but the skirt may need to be replaced more often. The jig is easy to maintain by rinsing it after use and lubricating the blade swivel.
Replacing the skirt is straightforward, but it does add to the overall cost of using the jig. The lure is a good choice if you are mindful of the maintenance needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig comes with a Perfect Skirt and Twin Tail Trailer already attached. Anglers can customize the lure by replacing the trailer with other options, such as swimbaits, craws, or creature baits.
The jig is compatible with most standard swim jig trailers, allowing for a wide range of customization possibilities. Anglers can also experiment with different skirt colors and materials to further fine-tune the lure’s appearance and action.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig
Pros
- The Custom Gamakatsu Hook provides excellent hook penetration and holding power.
- The Rage Blade’s unique design offers a good balance between attracting fish and avoiding snags.
- The Green Pumpkin color is a versatile choice that works well in various water conditions.
- The Twin Tail Trailer adds extra movement and enticement.
- The lure is relatively easy to use, making it suitable for anglers of all skill levels.
Cons
- The Perfect Skirt is not as durable as other premium swim jig skirts and may need to be replaced frequently.
- It can snag in heavier cover, requiring careful retrieval techniques.
Who Should Buy Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig?
The Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig is perfect for anglers who fish in moderately weedy areas and are looking for a versatile and effective lure. This is a great choice for both beginner and experienced anglers looking to target bass in and around cover.
Anglers who primarily fish in extremely heavy cover or who prioritize long-term durability above all else might want to consider other options. Those who dislike frequent lure maintenance may also want to explore alternatives. A must-have accessory is a good pair of line clippers for trimming weeds and retying after snags.
Conclusion on Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig
The Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig is a solid performer that offers a good balance of fish-catching ability and snag resistance. While the skirt durability is a concern, the excellent hook and versatile design make it a worthwhile addition to any angler’s tackle box. At a price of $9.99, it offers good value for the performance it provides.
I would personally recommend the Strike King Tour Grade Rage Blade Swim Jig to anglers looking for a reliable swim jig that can handle moderately weedy conditions. Give it a try, experiment with different trailers, and hold on tight!